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Volleyball09/07/2016

Brazil and USA forge title duel in World Grand Prix

Brazil will face the United States in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2016 – Brazil and the United States advanced to the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix title match with a straight-set sweep of the Netherlands and Russia, respectively, at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Saturday.

Brazil defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in the first semifinal match-up to reinforce their reign as the all-time leader in podium finishes in the World Grand Prix. Brazil’s victory previews a 16th top two finishes in 22 participations and a possible 11th World Grand Prix title triumph, which are the most victories produced by any team team in the tournament.

Brazilian outside spiker Natalia Pereira led the team in points, but the rest of the starters also delivered points to balance-out their offence. Their setter Danielle Lins had an excellent job, as she involved each player to score on opportunities in various positions. The Netherlands suffered on defence as their captain Maret Balkestein-Grothues ailed from an injury during warm-up that affected their drive to match-up well with Brazil.

In the second semifinal match, USA accomplished another feat to defend their World Grand Prix title, following their straight-set win over Russia. Apart from defending the title, USA will have the opportunity to earn their seventh gold medal and increase their medal haul in the tournament.

FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Poland 2014 MVP Kimberly Hill logged 17 points to help USA dominate Russia throughout the match. Hill outscored her Russian counterpart Nataliya Goncharova, who only managed to score 14 points. The Russians dominated in blocks, but the aggressive USA side served well to pressure their rivals. Hill had five service aces.

The final order of matches for the 2016 World Grand Prix on Sunday, July 10, will feature hosts Thailand against their Asian neighbours China at 12:00 local time, followed by the bronze medal match between the Netherlands and Russia at 15:00 local time, and the much-anticipated gold medal match between Brazil and USA at 18:00.

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